Jos Buttler described England's 46-run win over a New Zealand XI as a ‘perfect’ way to start their tour and was then described as a special talent by captain Stuart Broad.

Buttler's maiden 50 for his country, Broad's late hat-trick and three wickets each for Chris Woakes and Jade Dernbach were the eye-catching individual contributions as England began their campaign with a comfortable success in this first Twenty20 warm-up fixture.

And on Twitter, Broad wrote:
'Boys were brilliant 2day important we back it up 2moro. @josbuttler was
special he and @Eoin16 made the bowlers job easier! #blazers'

Winners: England overcame New Zealand in their first Twenty20 warm-up fixture

Kevin Pietersen added: 'Heard you played well today @josbuttler .. Buzzing for ya! Well done bud!'

Buttler and Woakes' performances were the most significant, both to give England the edge today and cheer for the future.

Broad's intervention - when the match was already as good as won - brought him the statistical highlight and Dernbach recovered from an unpromising start to take the key wicket of Colin Munro for 55.

But it was Buttler (57no) who did most to carry England, in company with Eoin Morgan, up to 186 for three at the Cobham Oval - and then Woakes eliminated both openers cheaply to put the hosts' unlikely chase in immediate trouble.

Buttler dominated an unbroken stand of 77 with Morgan but was adamant afterwards others deserved credit.

Teamwork: Buttler dominated an unbroken stand of 77 with Eoin Morgan

‘It was great to get our first win, and
obviously it was a really good all-round performance from everyone,’
said the wicketkeeper-batsman.

‘I think as a blueprint for a batting
plan, it was perfect. Wickets in hand at the end allow people to come
in, as I did today, and score freely at the end.

‘It
was testament to the guys ahead of me. They realised it was a bit of
hard work and, instead of playing any rash shots, they got through that
hard period and built a brilliant position for me to come in at the end.

‘It's the perfect way to set up a Twenty20 innings, for that explosive finish at the end.

‘With people like Jonny (Bairstow) and Samit (Patel) to come in, there's a lot of power. So it gives us that licence to be really aggressive.’

Milestone: Buttler recorded his first half-century for England during the fixture

Buttler, 22, is clearly earmarked by England as a potential star, particularly in the short formats.

He knows already that he - rather than Bairstow - will be employed behind as well as in front of the stumps in the three-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand, starting on Saturday.

‘It's something I've been working really hard on,’ he said. ‘It's great to get this opportunity to do it.

‘I think I'm going to take the gloves for the series ... definitely for the Twenty20s, so that's what I'm concentrating on at the minute.

‘I'm really excited about it, and today's a good start.

Mighty Woakes: The England bowler runs in against a New Zealand XI

‘It's great to know that's what's happening. I can really put my mind on it, and work hard in training on it.’

Buttler made sure Woakes and Broad got a deserved mention from him, too.

‘Chris bowled really well up front. Early wickets in Twenty20 are vital,’ he said.

‘They put the opposition on the back foot, and Woakesy did that really well. Munro came in and played well, but we held our nerve really well.’

Winning start: England were comfortable in victory in their first warm-up match

It was Buttler, with a catch behind to account for Matt Henry, who ensured an appropriate minor moment of glory as Broad returned with some style in his first significant spell for his country since his recovery from a heel injury.

‘It probably just sits behind his Test match hat-trick but I'm sure he really enjoyed it,’ Buttler said with a smile. 'It's great to have him back and bowling really well.